Grant would double funds for new Tuxedo Park

Published: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 7:55 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 7:55 p.m.

County commissioners will consider Wednesday using $225,000 they set aside for a new park in Tuxedo as matching funds for a state grant, which could double the amount available for developing the long-awaited recreation area.

The Green River Community Association is in favor of using county funds to leverage grant monies for the $1.4 million park project off Old U.S. Highway 25, as long as it doesn't unduly delay work planned for the site, said President David Hill.

“We're tickled it's moving ahead,” Hill said. “If we have to wait a few months to garner a couple more hundred thousand dollars, I don't see that would bother anybody. I think the community would be in favor of waiting a little extra time.”

Commissioners have three possible ways they can deal with the $225,000 they budgeted for Tuxedo Park, said County Manager Steve Wyatt. One is to direct county staff to develop a plan to begin improvements on the 6.4-acre park immediately, he said, “using what we have in the bank, so to speak.”

However, that would only cover a portion of the phase one work the community association hoped to start this fall. It will cost about $407,000 to excavate, demolish and remove old foundations, import topsoil, install stormwater drainage and plant grass, trees and flowers, estimates landscape architect Hunter Marks.

Another option is to use the available $225,000 to leverage funds from a grant administered by the N.C. Parks and Recreational Trust Fund, Wyatt said. That fund provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants to local governments to fund projects such as parks, trails and other recreational facilities.

“With the PARTF grant, you have a chance to double your money,” Wyatt said. “You put your application in the fall and the next spring you know whether you're awarded the grant. But it's not guaranteed.”

Indeed, Henderson County recently found out a $500,000 grant application they made to help fund its new Athletic and Activities Center was rejected by PARTF. But Wyatt and several commissioners said the state's recent trend of funding more small projects instead of a few large ones bodes well for Tuxedo's chances.

“The less you ask for, the better your chances,” Wyatt said. “It's a pie and the smaller the pieces, the more people get to eat.”

“We really feel that a $250,000 grant has a better chance than a $500,000 one,” agreed Commissioner Grady Hawkins, who discussed the park project with residents at the Green River Volunteer Fire Department Tuesday night.

Though he sees potential in a grant application, Hawkins said he'll defer to the wishes of community residents and the county's Recreational Advisory Board about “what's the best approach to optimize our resources.”

With the county facing tighter budgetary times, Vice Chairman Tommy Thompson said communities like Tuxedo should take advantage of any outside sources they can to bolster local fundraising.

“Who knows?” he said. “It might, with our making that nest egg grow, it might come about that we can get enough money to finish the whole project.”

If state monies can be leveraged for the park, Commissioner Mike Edney said he's all for it. But he questioned whether construction work would have to be delayed while waiting for grant approval.

“The folks down there have waited way too long,” he said. “I'd like to see the property get usable as soon as possible. If you get grass sown, at least people can start using the property by getting out there and throwing a ball.”

Chairman Charlie Messer said he personally favors applying for the PARTF grant, but added that he'll yield to the desires of the citizens. He said the state's timetable could dovetail nicely with the park's current schedule and would give residents time to do more fundraising.

“With engineering and permitting, they probably wouldn't be able to start work until September or October anyway,” Messer said. “My intent would be to wait and ask for the grant to get us a little closer to that $400,000 (needed for phase one).”

Next month begins the application process for state parks and recreation grants. In September, trust fund staff hold a video-conferenced workshop for potential applicants and final applications are due by Jan. 31. Grant recipients are chosen the following May.

With help from a $10,000 matching grant from Lake Summit property owners, the Green River Community Association has raised $50,000 for the park project so far, Hill said. A $28,000 check was recently signed over to the county for park grading and design.

Once engineering work is finished, Hill said the county must choose a low-bid contractor to perform the work. He expected construction wouldn't begin until September or October, assuming there are no weather or permitting delays.

“We've very appreciative of what the county commissioners have done for our park,” said association Secretary Terry Maybin. “Our goal is to try to complete phase one with the money that the county has allocated, plus the matching grant. We have a lot of faith right now that things are really moving forward.”

<p>County commissioners will consider Wednesday using $225,000 they set aside for a new park in Tuxedo as matching funds for a state grant, which could double the amount available for developing the long-awaited recreation area. </p><p>The Green River Community Association is in favor of using county funds to leverage grant monies for the $1.4 million park project off Old U.S. Highway 25, as long as it doesn't unduly delay work planned for the site, said President David Hill. </p><p>“We're tickled it's moving ahead,” Hill said. “If we have to wait a few months to garner a couple more hundred thousand dollars, I don't see that would bother anybody. I think the community would be in favor of waiting a little extra time.”</p><p>Commissioners have three possible ways they can deal with the $225,000 they budgeted for Tuxedo Park, said County Manager Steve Wyatt. One is to direct county staff to develop a plan to begin improvements on the 6.4-acre park immediately, he said, “using what we have in the bank, so to speak.”</p><p>However, that would only cover a portion of the phase one work the community association hoped to start this fall. It will cost about $407,000 to excavate, demolish and remove old foundations, import topsoil, install stormwater drainage and plant grass, trees and flowers, estimates landscape architect Hunter Marks.</p><p>Another option is to use the available $225,000 to leverage funds from a grant administered by the N.C. Parks and Recreational Trust Fund, Wyatt said. That fund provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants to local governments to fund projects such as parks, trails and other recreational facilities.</p><p>“With the PARTF grant, you have a chance to double your money,” Wyatt said. “You put your application in the fall and the next spring you know whether you're awarded the grant. But it's not guaranteed.”</p><p>Indeed, Henderson County recently found out a $500,000 grant application they made to help fund its new Athletic and Activities Center was rejected by PARTF. But Wyatt and several commissioners said the state's recent trend of funding more small projects instead of a few large ones bodes well for Tuxedo's chances.</p><p>“The less you ask for, the better your chances,” Wyatt said. “It's a pie and the smaller the pieces, the more people get to eat.”</p><p>“We really feel that a $250,000 grant has a better chance than a $500,000 one,” agreed Commissioner Grady Hawkins, who discussed the park project with residents at the Green River Volunteer Fire Department Tuesday night. </p><p>Though he sees potential in a grant application, Hawkins said he'll defer to the wishes of community residents and the county's Recreational Advisory Board about “what's the best approach to optimize our resources.”</p><p>With the county facing tighter budgetary times, Vice Chairman Tommy Thompson said communities like Tuxedo should take advantage of any outside sources they can to bolster local fundraising.</p><p>“Who knows?” he said. “It might, with our making that nest egg grow, it might come about that we can get enough money to finish the whole project.”</p><p>If state monies can be leveraged for the park, Commissioner Mike Edney said he's all for it. But he questioned whether construction work would have to be delayed while waiting for grant approval.</p><p>“The folks down there have waited way too long,” he said. “I'd like to see the property get usable as soon as possible. If you get grass sown, at least people can start using the property by getting out there and throwing a ball.”</p><p>Chairman Charlie Messer said he personally favors applying for the PARTF grant, but added that he'll yield to the desires of the citizens. He said the state's timetable could dovetail nicely with the park's current schedule and would give residents time to do more fundraising.</p><p>“With engineering and permitting, they probably wouldn't be able to start work until September or October anyway,” Messer said. “My intent would be to wait and ask for the grant to get us a little closer to that $400,000 (needed for phase one).” </p><p>Next month begins the application process for state parks and recreation grants. In September, trust fund staff hold a video-conferenced workshop for potential applicants and final applications are due by Jan. 31. Grant recipients are chosen the following May.</p><p>With help from a $10,000 matching grant from Lake Summit property owners, the Green River Community Association has raised $50,000 for the park project so far, Hill said. A $28,000 check was recently signed over to the county for park grading and design. </p><p>Once engineering work is finished, Hill said the county must choose a low-bid contractor to perform the work. He expected construction wouldn't begin until September or October, assuming there are no weather or permitting delays.</p><p>“We've very appreciative of what the county commissioners have done for our park,” said association Secretary Terry Maybin. “Our goal is to try to complete phase one with the money that the county has allocated, plus the matching grant. We have a lot of faith right now that things are really moving forward.”</p><p>Reach Axtell at 828-694-7860 or than.axtell@blueridgenow.com.</p>